First Generation SKB Model (1954 - 1959)
The 1-ton truck that went on sale in September 1954 was named "TOYOTA TOYOACE," after a renaming contest in 1956. It was developed as a model that was different from the three-wheeled truck, which was the mainstream at the time.
The engine had 995cc displacement and power output of 30 horsepower.
The car body had a width of 1,675mm, which was considered a large body at the time, and therefore, it boasted a large loading capacity.
Second Generation SK/PK20-30 Series (1959 - 1971)
The successful first generation model was followed by the second generation model, released in March 1959. The semi-cab over layout was retained, but the engine placement was moved to underneath the seats, and with the change to column shift, the riding capacity increased from two to three people. The car body size increased as well; the width expanded to 1,690mm. Furthermore, the split windshield was replaced with a single unit.
A 1,000cc 33 horsepower S-type engine was installed, but in 1959, this was replaced by the P-type with a power output of 45 horsepower, though the engine displacement remained the same. Additionally, the 1.25-ton with 1,200cc and 1.5-ton with 1,500cc were later added.
Third Generation Y10 Series (1971 - 1979)
In 1971, a model change led to the third generation Y10 Series. The TOYOACE underwent a complete makeover in terms of its exterior style, which was updated to a more modern design. Accordingly, the interior, which for previous models had the metal exposed, was installed with lining in an effort to improve riding comfort as befits a passenger vehicle. The interior length expanded by 30mm, and the triangular side windows were discontinued.
In addition to the 1,350cc and 1,600cc engines, in July 1972, the 2,500cc diesel engine was added to the lineup. A wide range of loading capacity was made available, from 850kg to 2,000kg, and variations were introduced for the car body as well - in addition to the standard deck, the double cab, panel van, aluminum van, and double tires were introduced to make for a varied lineup, which increased from 7 vehicle variations and 16 models of the previous generation to 7 vehicle variations and 28 models.
In terms of the grades as well, in addition to the standard vehicle, special versions were added to the lineup, which saw the addition of such comfort features as radios, heaters, and passenger seat sun visors.
Fourth Generation Y20/30/40 Series (1979 - 1985)
The fourth generation model that was released in March 1979 saw changes that were aimed at adherence to emission regulations as well as improvements in safety. In addition, car body variation also expanded; 45 vehicle variations were made available. The cabin was newly changed to the full cabin over layout, further improving riding comfort. The overall size remained the same, but the wheelbase was made 345mm shorter to allow for a narrower turning cycle (the minimum turning radius decreased by 0.7m). In terms of the exterior as well, the four-lamp headlights and slanted windshield were introduced to further heighten an air of novelty.
Diesel engines were installed on all vehicles. In addition to the 2,481cc 75 horsepower engine that had been in use, the 2,188cc 72 horsepower engine was added. Additionally, the 1,587cc gasoline engine with 80 horsepower and the 1,994cc gasoline engine with 95 horsepower were also added to the lineup.
Furthermore, in terms of vehicle type, refrigerator trucks and power lift trucks were added as specially-equipped vehicles to respond to more varied needs.
Fifth Generation U80/90 Series, Y50/60 Series (1985 - 1995)
For the fifth generation model, which went on sale in August 1985, the one-tonner was discontinued, with the TOYOTA HIACE truck taking its position in the market. In terms of the variation, the lineup was: 1.25-ton, 1.5-ton, 2-ton, 2.75-ton, 3-ton, and 3.5-ton. In terms of its style, one of the new features was the fog lamps built into the bumper.
For the engine, the following were made available, further expanding the variation of the lineup:
1,626cc 84 horsepower and 1,998cc 105 horsepower gasoline engines
2,977cc 85 horsepower, 2,977cc 90 horsepower, 3,431cc 100 horsepower, and 3,431cc 130 horsepower diesel engines
1,998cc 90 horsepower LRG engine
For the transmission, the 4-speed automatic was installed for some vehicles.
Further changes were made to the interior to improve riding comfort, such as wireless door locks and suspension seats.
As for the body variation, the standard and long were made available for gasoline and diesel engine vehicles, and the "just low" was also combined; for LPG engine vehicles, the long + wooden "just low" became the standard.
Sixth Generation 2-ton series (1999 - 2011) 1-ton series (2001 - )
The sixth generation model, introduced in May 1995, underwent a simultaneous full model change with the TOYOTA HIACE TRUCK and TOYOTA DYNA. The 1.25-ton and 3.5-ton vehicles merged with the DYNA; changes were made on the exterior, particularly the grille. The range expanded to three types: standard, wide, and grand cabs, and efforts to improve environmental performance, safety, and ride comfort were made.
In terms of the grand cab, the width of the cab itself was expanded to 2,050mm to improve riding comfort. The driver’s seat was equipped with adjustable seatbelt anchors, and the reclining angle was set at 31 degrees, further boosting riding comfort.
For the engine lineup, there were eight options made available, of which two were gasoline engines:
2,000cc 88 horsepower
2,700cc 150 horsepower
One LPG-powered engine:
2,700cc 125 horsepower
Five diesel engines:
2,800cc 91 horsepower
3,400cc 98 horsepower
4,100cc 125 horsepower
4,100cc 155 horsepower
5,300cc 145 horsepower
For the transmission as well, improvements were made; for manual transmission vehicles, clutch pedal effort was decreased, and the range of vehicle types that could be equipped with automatic transmission expanded.
For specially-equipped vehicles, to respond to various needs and uses, the semi-long chassis and the van-specific chassis were introduced. Additionally, car bodies were introduced with the aim of higher efficiency during customization and improvements in maintenance.
In 2001, the one-tonner underwent a model change.
In 2003, improvements were made on the engine to enhance environmental performance. A hybrid vehicle with Hino HIMR system and clean diesel vehicle were added to the lineup. Improvements continued to be made on the engine on a yearly basis to further improve environmental performance.
In July 2012, the one-tonner series underwent minor changes. Improvements of the high-performance catalyst were made on vehicles carrying diesel engines to adhere to the 2009 Post New Long-Term Gas Emission Standards, consequently achieving 2015 Fuel Consumption Standards. As such, because it became a subject of the "Tax Plan to Increase the Spread of Eco-Friendly Vehicles," which was revised in April of the same year, drivers received a 75% reduction in automobile acquisition tax and motor vehicle tonnage tax in Japan. At the same time, for vehicles carrying gasoline engines, improvements were made on the engine to adhere to the 2015 Fuel Consumption Standards. For this, and in order to improve security as well, the immobilizer system was installed.
The one-tonner has continued to undergo improvements and changes, and its sale continues today.
Eighth Generation 2-ton Series (2011 - )
In June 2011, the current eighth generation model went on sale. The 1-ton series continued to be sold as is; the model change applied to the 2-ton series. Starting with a renewal of the diesel hybrid drive system, this model change focused on improvements in fuel efficiency and environmental performance. Because of this, the eighth generation model was able to adhere to the 2009 Post New Long-Term Gas Emission Standards, thus becoming a subject of the "Tax Plan to Increase the Spread of Eco-Friendly Vehicles"; consequently, drivers of hybrid vehicles receive a full exemption from the automobile acquisition tax and motor vehicle tonnage tax in Japan.
In terms of the cab as well, improvements were made on the interior to further enhance riding comfort.
For diesel engines, the Hino N04C became the base, with a displacement of 4,009cc. To this, superchargers were installed, raising the power output from 116/136/150 horsepower to a maximum of 180 horsepower. With this, the 6-speed automatic and 6- or 5-speed manual transmissions has been made available.
For gasoline engines, there is only one type available - 2,693cc with 148 horsepower. Similarly, only one option is available for LPG engines - 4,104cc with 116 horsepower.
The diesel hybrid system utilizes a specially designed engine and nickel metal hydride battery, allowing it to achieve a displacement of 4,009cc and power output of 150 horsepower, as well as improved fuel efficiency. With this, the 2-pedal 5-speed manual transmission has been made available.
For hybrid vehicles, inside the meter panel, a specialized meter was installed to make possible the monitoring of driving conditions.
Due to this, fuel consumption measures at 12.2km/L for the 2-ton vehicle, and 11.6km/L for the 3-ton vehicle, marking great improvements.
Details of the grade development are as follows:
For single cab vehicles:
Standard Cab
For the standard deck, all engine options are available
For the semi-long deck, 2WD and 4WD diesel are available
For the long deck, hybrid, 2WD, and 4WD diesel are available
Wide Cab
For the long deck, 2WD hybrid, 2WD and 4WD diesel engine are available
For 2WD diesel only, the semi-long deck, super long deck, and super super long deck are available
For double cab vehicles:
Standard Cab
For the standard deck, 2WD diesel and 2WD gasoline engine are available
For the semi-long and long decks, 4WD diesel is available
For the long deck, 2WD and 4WD diesel are available
Wide Cab
For the long deck only, 2WD diesel is available
Root Van
For the standard deck, only the 2WD diesel is available
For the TECS lineup, which is a specially-equipped vehicle based on the above, hybrid options have been made available.
